The Joy Of Living (Es Lebe Das Leben) - novelonlinefull.com
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Richard.
Do what you like. Say what you like. Curse me--shoot me. I sha'n't defend myself.
Kellinghausen.
You admit that one of us must die?
Richard.
No; I don't admit it; but I am at your orders.
Kellinghausen.
A duel between us is impossible----
Richard.
Impossible----
Kellinghausen.
I don't mean on account of the children. _That's_ all at an end.
Richard.
Why must it be at an end if one of us dies? But I am at your orders.
Kellinghausen.
I have pledged my word not to bring any scandal on the party. You are under the same obligation.
Richard.
Yes.
Kellinghausen.
So that the only thing left----
Richard.
Before you go any further, let me tell you that I decline to go through the farce of an American duel.
Kellinghausen.
You decline--? Perhaps you want to sneak out of the whole business?
Richard.
You don't believe that!
Kellinghausen.
Well--what other way is there?
Richard.
I know a way--but---- (Norbert's _voice is heard outside, speaking with_ Conrad.)
Kellinghausen.
(_With sudden decision, opening the door_.) Norbert!
Richard (_following him_).
For G.o.d's sake, Michael--do you want to disgrace my whole house?
Kellinghausen (_opening the door_).
You shall see.--Norbert! Come in, my boy--come!
Norbert _enters_.
Norbert.
Uncle Michael, what is the matter with Aunt Beata? The doctor is with her, and Ellen has been called----
Kellinghausen.
Nothing serious. Don't be alarmed. (_Takes his hand_.) Norbert, your father and I were just talking of last evening. You remember that stupid business interrupted our talk, and we never heard the end of your argument. Let us have it now. Sit down--sit down, Richard. (_They all seat themselves_.) There was one phrase of yours that struck me.
You said--you said--that if----
Richard.
You said that if a man of honour has injured another and is called on to atone for it, he is the best judge of his own punishment.
Norbert (_laughing_).
Did I? Very likely--but my head is so full of other things just now that I couldn't swear to it.
Kellinghausen.
That was not quite what I meant; but no matter. Suppose we take such a case. If the injured person says: "One of us two must die"--what ought the other to answer?
Norbert.
Why, Uncle Michael, I should say that depended on the nature of the injury--doesn't it?
Richard.
